MARYVILLE – State Senator Kris Tharp joined officials Monday to announce a combined $7.6 million to support restoration projects in Alton, Collinsville and Edwardsville.

“Take a walk or drive down any Main Street in the Metro East, and you’ll be met with character, historic buildings and cultural history,” said Tharp (D-Bethalto). “For those of us who are proud to live here and call this area home, we understand its potential to be a major tourism destination, and I’m pleased to announce this funding to help bring these plans in Alton, Collinsville and Edwardsville to fruition.”

Funded in part through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Rebuild Illinois Main Street and Downtown Capital Program and the American Rescue Plan Act, three entities in Madison County were awarded funds to develop downtown areas:

• Alton Works - $3,000,000
• City of Collinsville - $1,828,350
• City of Edwardsville - $2,869,031

To restore the city’s once vibrant history, Alton Works has plans to use the funding to revitalize the downtown area and build a business incubator in the former Wedge Bank Building.

The City of Collinsville has plans to use the funding to undertake a new project in working to revitalize a nationally-popular, economic corridor from St. Louis Road and Main Street near uptown and ending at the Cahokia Mounds World Heritage site.

To expand economic development and support business growth on Main Street, the City of Edwardsville will use the grant to improve water, sewer and streetscape infrastructure.

“I’d like to extend my appreciation to the local officials—the mayors, city councils and other community members who have gotten us to this point,” said Tharp. “The combined $7.6 million investments into Alton, Collinsville and Edwardsville will create jobs for residents, modernize infrastructure, and encourage patrons and visitors to explore the local downtown.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced $106 million in capital grants that were awarded to revitalize 50 commercial corridors and main streets across Illinois. The historic Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital program represents the largest-ever Rebuild Illinois investment focused on community revitalization.

A full list of grantees is available on DCEO’s website.

MARYVILLE – State Senator Kris Tharp joined leaders Wednesday to announce a new expansion of Tyson’s Caseyville facility, and the plan to create an estimated 250 jobs in the Metro East region.

“I am proud that Tyson has recognized Illinois’ world-class manufacturing capabilities and, as a result, has continued their significant investment in our community,” said Tharp (D-Bethalto). “The creation of more than 200 new jobs will promote continued growth and economic expansion in the greater Metro East region.”

Additional funding will prioritize workplace efficiency and facilitate ease of production for current and future employees. The facility, which produces Hillshire Farm® and Jimmy Dean® products, will expand its production of snack and breakfast items through the addition of several new production lines and increased square footage.

WOOD RIVER – Kris Tharp, a captain and jail administrator for the Madison County Sheriff’s Office with nearly 25 years of law enforcement experience and a life-long volunteer in the Metro East, was sworn in to represent Illinois’ 56th Senate District Friday.

“I’m truly honored and humbled by this entire experience,” said Tharp (D-Bethalto). “We have a lot of important issues to explore this year, and I’m eager to serve the residents of the 56th District in this new role.”

Tharp has worked through the ranks of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and dedicated his life to improving public safety for communities throughout the Metro East. In addition to his roles as a captain and jail administrator, Tharp serves as a Deputy Commander for the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis.